What do our children discover about themselves when they go through cancer treatment?
On The Deep C, I usually talk to parents about the strength, hope and love we discover deep within ourselves when our child is diagnosed with cancer. But for this episode, I wanted to hear about that experience from our kids.
In a special collaboration with ACCESS (Advancing Childhood Cancer Experience, Science and Survivorship), I sat down with seven teenagers from across Canada who have all been diagnosed with cancer, some of whom are still in treatment.
Sully, Karina, Ollie, Izabella, Keaton, Noah and Sachan generously share their experiences, beginning with the moments they learned they had cancer. We talk about the fears they faced during treatment, how cancer affected their friendships and what it felt like to return to school. They also share what they wish adults understood about their capabilities and the advice they would give another young person facing a diagnosis.
What I found most enlightening was hearing about the strength they uncovered within themselves while their parents were discovering their own. Their stories offer an extraordinary perspective on what it means to grow up with cancer and how important it is that we listen to young people when they tell us what they need.
About ACCESS
ACCESS is a national, community-driven network working to advance childhood cancer research and care in Canada. By bringing people with lived experience together with researchers, healthcare providers and policymakers, ACCESS ensures that the voices of children and families help shape the future of childhood cancer care.
This episode is part of ACCESS Presents, a series of free public educational conversations, and was created in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
A special thank you to Sully, Karina, Ollie, Izabella, Keaton, Noah and Sachan for sharing their stories, and to Stephanie Reid and Renu
Jeyapala at ACCESS for bringing this idea to The Deep C and making these conversations possible.